500 Festival News + Media
Capturing the Spirit & Stories of the Festival
Brand Assets & Press Kits
Brand Guide | Logos | Photos
The 500 Festival, a not-for-profit community organization, was created in 1957 to organize civic events celebrating the greatest race in the world. The mission of the 500 Festival is to produce life-enriching events and programs that celebrate the spirit and legacy of the Indianapolis 500 and foster a positive impact on the city of Indianapolis and the state of Indiana.
500 Festival Miler Series, presented by OrthoIndy
The 500 Festival Miler Series, presented by OrthoIndy is an ideal training series for those looking to participate in a spring half-marathon, especially the 50th running of the IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon.
- A three-race series consisting of a 3-Miler, 6-Miler, and 10-Miler.
- Helps participants gauge training progression, practice race-day strategy (hydration, pacing, fueling), meet friends, have fun, and earn some swag.
- Registration is available for the full series or any individual race.
- Full Miler Series registrants receive a long-sleeved participant t-shirt and medal.
Event Highlights:
- Outstanding course support with mile markers, clocks at every mile, split timers, and plenty of water stations!
- Gatorade Endurance Pit Areas
- Course entertainment cheering participants on at every step
- Free Fowling play for participants after the run
- Official results available following the event
The Details:
3-Miler: Saturday, February 14 | 9 a.m.
6-Miler: Saturday, March 7 | 9 a.m.
10-Miler: Saturday, April 11 | 8 a.m.
Fowling Warehouse Indianapolis
500 Festival Princess Program, presented by the National Bank of Indianapolis
Brand Guide | Logos | Photos
An annual leadership and scholarship program that selects 33 college-aged women to serve as ambassadors for the 500 Festival and their communities, providing professional development, community outreach opportunities, and a scholarship. Princesses give back through extensive volunteer service, reaching communities throughout the state of Indiana.
- Outreaches are conducted March-May to spread the mission of the 500 Festival and share the excitement of the Indianapolis 500.
- Each princess is matched with a 500 Festival Board Member who serves as their mentor for their time as a princess.
- Princesses are given leadership and professional development opportunities and access to networking events.
- Each princess receives a $1,500 scholarship towards her education, made possible by Marlyne Sexton.
Program Statistics:
- 1,500+ community service hours completed annually
- 50,000 people impacted annually
- $51,000 in scholarships received annually
500 Festival & Indianapolis 500 Education Program, presented by Riley Children’s Health
A free, standards-based curriculum for Indiana fourth-grade classrooms that uses the history and culture of the 500 Festival and the Indianapolis 500. Classrooms may enhance the lessons with a Study Trip to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway or a Mobile Trip where the program comes to their school.
Program Highlights:
Covers multiple subject areas, including language arts, math, science, social studies, visual arts, and physical education.
Hands-on activities and interactive learning experiences that bring classroom concepts to life.
Flexible format that allows teachers to incorporate materials into existing lesson plans.
Media Day Details:
Media Day offers media outlets an exclusive opportunity to cover a Study Trip in action and capture students experiencing the program firsthand at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Media may photograph, film, and conduct interviews with teachers and students. All students will have signed media releases, and those not permitted to be photographed will be clearly identified.
🗓️ Wednesday, April 15
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
📍Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Media Center
📩 RSVP Required to llabas@500festival.com
KidsFit Program
A 10–12 week, in-school fitness program for K–6 grades that pairs weekly Indy 500-themed activities with a progressive “Start Your Engines” training plan. It’s built to foster healthy habits, align with state standards, and culminate in a celebratory run.
Program Highlights:
Builds lifelong healthy habits through structured, goal-based physical activity.
Fun and engaging program that connects fitness with themes from the Indianapolis 500.
Progressive training plan designed for all ability levels.
Each student completes 13.1 total miles during the program.
Optional opportunity to finish the final 3.1 miles at the Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K.
📅 Registration Closes: March 28, 2026 | 5:00 p.m.
🏃 KidsFit Final 5K: May 2, 2026 (held in conjunction with the Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K)
500 Festival Kickoff to May, presented by STAR Bank
The 500 Festival Kickoff to May, presented by STAR Bank, is an event that literally kicks off the Month of May for the Indianapolis community. This family-friendly celebration features Festival pace cars, 500 Festival Princesses, community leaders, and light programming. It’s the perfect place and moment to get excited for the month’s events ahead.
Event Highlights:
Free and open to the public
Speakers include: 500 Festival, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and IMS Museum Leadership, the Mayor of Indianapolis, the Governor of Indiana, and STAR Bank leadership
SoapBox Derby mini car race taking place at noon
Event details:
📆 Wednesday, April 29 | 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
📍 Monument Circle, Downtown Indianapolis
Brand Guide | Logos | Photos
The Indy Mini is one of the nation’s most iconic running weekends, bringing tens of thousands of participants to downtown Indianapolis each May for a high-energy celebration of fitness, community, and the spirit of May.
A two-race event featuring the IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon (13.1 miles) and the Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K (3.1 miles).
Fast, flat, spectator-filled courses through the heart of downtown Indianapolis.
The Mini-Marathon includes a memorable stretch around the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway track.
Ideal for elite athletes chasing PRs, first-time participants, and families looking for an exciting race-day experience.
Both races are held on the same morning, creating a shared, citywide race atmosphere.
Event Highlights:
2026 marks the 50th Running of the IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon.
The Mini-Marathon has been voted Best Half Marathon in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for the past 3 years.
The 5K was named Best 5K Race in the 2024 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
2026 will mark the second consecutive year that USA Track & Field will host the USATF 5 km Championships at the Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K.
Course support with mile markers, clocks, split timers, and plenty of water, Gatorade, and UnTapped stations!
Course entertainment cheering participants on at every step.
Post Race Party, where participants can reunite with friends and family, enjoy massages, and explore a variety of vendors.
May 2 Details:
🏃🏾♂️USATF 5 KM Championships: Saturday, May 2 | 7:00 a.m.
🏃🏾♂️5K: Saturday, May 2 | 7:00 a.m.
🏃🏻♀️Mini-Marathon: Saturday, May 2 | 7:35 a.m.
📍Washington Street, Downtown Indianapolis
JPMorganChase 500 Festival Kids’ Day
Kids’ Day — Brand Guide | Logos | Photos
The JPMorganChase 500 Festival Kids’ Day is a fun, family-friendly celebration in downtown Indianapolis, bringing the community together for the city’s largest festival for kids.
Kids’ Day Highlights:
Enjoy a vibrant festival atmosphere centered around celebration
Families can explore activity zones featuring STEM and fitness activities
Engage with local organizations
Kids’ Day Details:
📆 Saturday, May 9 | 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
📍 Monument Circle, Downtown Indianapolis
500 Festival Rookie Run, presented by Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital
Rookie Run — Brand Guide | Logos | Photos
The 500 Festival Rookie Run, presented by Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital, is a non-competitive race designed for children ages 3–10, giving young participants a safe and exciting introduction to the race-day experience.
Rookie Run Highlights:
Each participant receives their own t-shirt, race bib, and finisher medal
Each Rookie Runner gets to cross an official start and finish line, with cheering spectators along the course
Rookie Run Details:
📆 Saturday, May 9 | 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
📍 Monument Circle, Downtown Indianapolis
🎟️ Registration | $10
500 Festival Breakfast at the Brickyard, presented by CHA
The 500 Festival Breakfast at the Brickyard, presented by CHA, is a signature event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway that brings civic leaders, Indiana mayors, racing fans, and the 500 Festival Princesses together for a classic Hoosier breakfast and conversation with a Featured Guest. It’s a must-attend for those looking to celebrate the racing season and network in an iconic setting.
Event Highlights:
Hosted by Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett
Honors more than 80 mayors from across Indiana for their leadership and commitment to their communities
Special appearances by community figures sharing stories, experiences, and industry knowledge
Culminates with the announcement of the 500 Festival Queen Scholar
Event Details
📆 Date: Saturday, May 16 | 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
📍 Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Gallagher Pavilion
🎟️ 2026 Tickets – Sold Out
American Legion 500 Festival Memorial Service
Logos | Photos | Media Information Sheet
The American Legion 500 Festival Memorial Service is a reverent Memorial Day remembrance held at the Indiana War Memorial, honoring Indiana’s fallen service members. It offers a reflective counterpoint to the weekend celebrations and brings the community together to pay their respects.
Event Highlights:
Free and open to the public
Wreath-laying ceremony
The tolling of the bell
Posting of colors by the Military Department of Indiana’s Joint Service Color Guard
Musical tributes
The Details:
📆 Friday, May 22nd | Noon
📍 North steps of the Indiana War Memorial
Lucas Oil 500 Festival Parade
Brand Guide | Logos | Photos
The Lucas Oil 500 Festival Parade draws hundreds of thousands of spectators to downtown Indianapolis and is one of the signature traditions during the month of May. The nationally recognized parade ranks among the most prominent parades in the country. It celebrates the excitement leading into the Indy 500 race weekend and brings the community together for a family-friendly event in the heart of the city.
Event Highlights:
Giant balloons and elaborate floats
Marching bands from across the country
Celebrity appearances and honored guests
The 500 Festival Princesses
All 33 INDYCAR drivers participating in the Indy 500 the next day
Over 200,000 spectators lining downtown streets
The Details:
📆 Saturday, May 23 | Parade steps off at noon
📍 Downtown Indianapolis
